Under the....

[Jemisa]

Having heard the news of gareth Southgate getting the sack & knowing my hubby would be interested I phoned him to tell him, he said "I'm not surprised he's been under the cosh for some time" I know what it means but where or how did this 'Under the Cosh' come from? Anybody?
J

[HowardKennitby]

Cassell's Slang Dict gives this 1950s slang for 'in trouble' derived from a figurative use of the noun 'cosh'

[Quizmonster]

And the noun, 'cosh', was a 19th century word for a stout stick or club of some sort, often used either to support law and order or to break it! That is, it might equally be a policeman's truncheon or a thief's weapon.

[Jemisa]

Thanks each, Things are a lot clearer now.
J